Free Tennessee CDL Practice Test — Updated for 2025

Getting your Commercial Driver’s License in Tennessee starts with the written knowledge tests. This page gives you free, simple Tennessee CDL practice tests for every major section: General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, Hazmat, Passenger, School Bus, Tankers, and Doubles/Triples. You’ll get one question at a time, instant feedback, and a brief explanation after every answer.

Tennessee CDL at a Glance (Plain-English Summary)

  • Age & eligibility:
    You must be 18+ for in-state driving and 21+ for interstate, passenger, or hazmat.
  • Valid license:
    You must already have a valid Tennessee driver’s license.
  • Medical card:
    A current DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate is required for most CDL drivers.
  • Knowledge tests → CLP:
    Pass all written exams for your class and endorsements to earn your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP).
  • ELDT:
    Federal Entry-Level Driver Training applies to Class A/B and H/P/S endorsements before testing.
  • Skills test:
    After holding your CLP for at least 14 days, take the pre-trip, basic control, and road test.
  • Hazmat:
    Requires a TSA background check and hazmat knowledge exam.
  • Testing administered by:
    the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) or third-party testers.

What’s on the Tennessee CDL Knowledge Tests

General Knowledge

— inspections, safety, space/speed management, emergencies, and cargo basics.

Air Brakes

— brake system components, dual systems, stopping distance, and inspection.

Combination Vehicles

— coupling, rollover prevention, skids, and inspections.

Hazmat (H)

— labeling, placards, segregation, parking, and emergency procedures.

Passenger (P) & School Bus (S)

— passenger loading, emergencies, and evacuation.

Tankers (N)

— surge/slosh, rollover, and safe speeds.

Doubles/Triples (T)

— converter dollies, coupling steps, and trailer stability.

Pre-Trip

— safety inspection process covering all vehicle systems.

Required for All CDL Drivers

These tests are mandatory for all Commercial Driver's License applicants

About General Knowledge Tests

Basic rules, regulations, and safe driving practices for commercial vehicles

General Knowledge Test 1

Basic CDL knowledge and traffic laws

📝 50 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

General Knowledge Test 2

Vehicle safety and inspection procedures

📝 50 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

General Knowledge Test 3

Driving techniques and hazard awareness

📝 50 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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General Knowledge Test 4

Transportation of cargo and passengers

📝 50 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

General Knowledge Test 5

Emergency procedures and vehicle maintenance

📝 50 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

General Knowledge Test 6

Final comprehensive review test

📝 50 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test
About Air Brakes Tests

Air brake systems, inspection, and operation procedures

Air Brakes Test 1

Basic air brake system components and operation

📝 25 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Air Brakes Test 2

Air brake inspection and testing procedures

📝 25 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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Air Brakes Test 3

Emergency procedures and troubleshooting

📝 25 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Air Brakes Test 4

Advanced air brake systems and safety

📝 25 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test
About Pre-Trip Inspection Tests

Vehicle inspection procedures and safety checks

Pre-Trip Inspection Test 1

Engine compartment and cab inspection

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Pre-Trip Inspection Test 2

Exterior vehicle inspection

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Pre-Trip Inspection Test 3

Trailer and coupling system inspection

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Endorsement Tests

Additional certifications for specialized commercial driving

About Combination Vehicles Tests

Tractor-trailers, truck and trailer combinations

Combination Vehicles Test 1

Coupling and uncoupling procedures

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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Combination Vehicles Test 2

Inspection of combination vehicles

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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Combination Vehicles Test 3

Driving combination vehicles safely

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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Combination Vehicles Test 4

Backing and maneuvering techniques

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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Combination Vehicles Test 5

Advanced combination vehicle operation

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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About Hazmat Tests

Hazardous materials transportation and safety

Hazmat Test 1

Hazmat classification and identification

📝 30 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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Hazmat Test 2

Loading and handling procedures

📝 30 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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Hazmat Test 3

Documentation and placarding

📝 30 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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Hazmat Test 4

Emergency response and safety procedures

📝 30 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test
About Passenger Vehicles Tests

Buses and vehicles designed to transport passengers

Passenger Vehicle Test 1

Pre-trip inspection for passenger vehicles

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Passenger Vehicle Test 2

Loading and unloading passengers

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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Passenger Vehicle Test 3

Passenger safety and emergency procedures

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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Passenger Vehicle Test 4

Special situations and regulations

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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About School Bus Tests

School bus operation and student transportation safety

School Bus Test 1

Loading and unloading students

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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School Bus Test 2

Emergency exits and evacuation procedures

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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School Bus Test 3

Student management and safety

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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School Bus Test 4

Special hazards and situations

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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About Tanker Vehicles Tests

Liquid cargo transportation and tank vehicle operation

Tanker Vehicle Test 1

Tanker vehicle inspection and safety

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Tanker Vehicle Test 2

Driving techniques for liquid cargo

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Tanker Vehicle Test 3

Loading, unloading, and emergency procedures

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test
About Doubles/Triples Tests

Double and triple trailer combinations

Doubles/Triples Test 1

Coupling and inspection procedures

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Doubles/Triples Test 2

Driving techniques and safety

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Doubles/Triples Test 3

Emergency procedures and troubleshooting

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

FAQs — Tennessee CDL

Additional certifications for specialized commercial driving

Q1- Who needs a CDL in Tennessee?

Drivers operating vehicles 26,001 lb+ , towing 10,001+ lbs, carrying 16+ passengers, or transporting hazmat.

Q2- Minimum age?

18 intrastate, 21 interstate/hazmat/passenger.

Q3- Medical card required?

Yes, DOT physical required for most CDL holders.

Q4- What is ELDT?

Entry-Level Driver Training , required before CDL skills or endorsement tests.

Q5- CLP holding period?

Minimum 14 days.

Q6- Testing authority?

Tennessee Department of Safety (TDOSHS) or third-party testers.

Q7- Passing score?

80% required to pass.

Q8- Hazmat background check?

TSA background check required.

Q9- What to bring on test day?

Driver’s license, CLP, DOT medical card, ELDT certificate, and test vehicle.